Psalm 26

 

In Psalm 26, David asks God to vindicate him, and to examine, prove, and test his integrity.  His confidence is in the redemption and grace of God (v. 11), through the cleansing at the altar (v. 6), which ultimately points to the shed blood of the Lamb of God.  The theme from Psalm 1, of the righteous contrasted with the wicked, is seen throughout this psalm.  Also, similar to Psalms 15 and 25, David reflects on entering the presence of the LORD (v. 8).  Overall, similar to Psalm 7, David appeals to God as Judge; and his trust in the LORD enables him to "stand on level ground" (v. 12) without slipping or wavering (v. 1).

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:

  • Verses 1-3
    • Take time for self-examination and self-reflection, to see if there are areas in which I may not have "walked in my integrity" nor in God's truth and faithfulness.
    • When you are ready, pray for God's vindication, examination, testing, and refining through fire.
  • Verses 4-5
    • While we should always be reaching out to the lost; yet, are there people in my life that I should not be sitting, consorting, and assembling as closely with; because they influence me to compromise my integrity?
  • Verses 6-8
    • Give thanks to the LORD for his cleansing through the blood of the Lamb; and for the privilege of entering into His presence.
  • Verses 9-12
    • David, in verse 11, begins with "But as for me;" thus making a contrast between living like sinners with evil schemes, versus choosing to walk in integrity.  Similarly, pray to God and commit to walking in integrity as a redeemed child of God, through the grace of God.
    • Bless the LORD for enabling our foot to stand on level ground, so that we would not slip or waver.


If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:

  • "Declare Me Innocent" (Psalm 26) by Randy Gordan:  Link

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